Pattaya transportation
The popular beach resort of Pattaya sits on the eastern seaboard of the Gulf of Thailand, 120kms from Bangkok. Bus travel is the most common mode of arrival but taxis from Bangkok are relatively inexpensive. U-Tapao Airport provides domestic air services to southern islands. The nearest international airport is Bangkok Suvarnabhumi which is an hour’s drive away.
Bus transportation to Pattaya
Buses are the cheapest means of arrival and operate frequently from Bangkok and other towns. Taxis from all over Bangkok are readily available at negotiable rates, usually between 1000 and 1400 baht. One train service operates daily from Bangkok, and vehicle hire is widely available from many sources.
A constant stream of buses run from Ekamai (Eastern) Bus Terminal in Bangkok which is located just outside the BTS station of the same name. Services start early in the morning and run until around 23.00 The fare is about 100 baht and the buses are all air-conditioned and comfortable enough for the two and a half hour journey. This duration will vary from bus to bus as some will make more stops than others. The Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) also runs services throughout the day while many hotels will also arrange private travel. More on bus services to Pattaya.
For travel to the north of Thailand, there are direct bus routes to Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchthani, and Korat, run by the Nakhorn Chai bus company, and departing from a makeshift station at the Central Pattaya Road - Sukhumvit Road intersection. Other buses make similar trips from the North-Eastern Bus Station on Central Pattaya Road.
Buses link to all towns along the eastern seaboard and onwards to popular destinations including Ban Phe (for Ko Samet), Chantaburi, and Trat (for Ko Chang and Cambodia). These regional bus routes are almost all air-conditioned but usually bypass Pattaya's central area so you'll have to get to one of the bus stops on Sukhumvit Road (Thanon Sukhumvit) in order to catch a service.
Air transportation to Pattaya
Pattaya's closest airfield is U-Tapao Airport located 30kms south-east of the city operating daily flights to the southern islands of Ko Samui, and Phuket with Bangkok Airways. For all other domestic and international flights, Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok can be reached by bus connections or by private taxi with fares starting at around 900 baht.
More on Suvarnabhumi airport.
There is a second airport servicing Bangkok, the old Don Muang facility, but it is North of the city and not practical to reach from Pattaya. Although it offers extra choices for getting to domestic destinations on Nok Air and some THAI and One2Go services, it entalls an extra 45 minutes travelling and there are no direct buses from Pattaya.
Taxi transportation to Pattaya
Minibus and taxi services run from Pattaya hotels and guest houses to Bangkok and other eastern tourist destinations such as Rayong, and to the harbours connecting with the islands of Ko Samet and Ko Chang. Buses link to all towns along the eastern seaboard and onwards to popular destinations including Ban Phe (for Ko Samet), Chantaburi, and Trat (for Ko Chang and Cambodia). These regional bus routes are almost all air-conditioned but usually bypass Pattaya's central area so you'll have to get to one of the bus stops on Sukhumvit Road (Thanon Sukhumvit) in order to catch a service.
From Bangkok you can hail any taxi from the street and they may be willing to drive you to Pattaya, depending on the time of day. Expect to negotiate a flat fee of 1000 baht or more. Your hotel concierge can also arrange a minibus or car for you.
Taxi minibuses also depart from the Victory Monument area (behind the food court), which leave when full, at least once per hour, or on charter. They are more comfortable than the bus. It can be reached via the skytrain.
Rail transportation to Pattaya
There is once a day rail service connecting Pattaya with the capital but don't take this option if you're in a hurry to get to the beach. As with many rail services in Thailand, this one is very slow (three to four hours), but a scenic, open-windowed morning on train can be a nice respite from the rush hour traffic. If this appeals, get yourself to Hualampong Station in Bangkok for the 06.50 departure. On arrival in Pattaya, you'll have to take a tuk-tuk or motorcycle taxi to make the short trip into town.
Getting around Pattaya
Once in Pattaya you’ll find the central entertainment area is easily covered on foot, and you’re never too far from Pattaya Bay beach or Jomtien when staying in most hotels. Taxis and tuk tuks are everywhere and easy to hail, while baht buses (songteaw minibuses) cruise the main streets and are very cheap. Many visitors find it most convenient to hire a Honda Dream motor scooter for the duration of their stay. They are cheap and easy to ride, giving you complete freedom. More on getting around Pattaya.
